Warning: Rated T

The terminal of Narita Airport was alive with a cacophony of sounds—the announcements echoing, the rolling of luggage bags, and the laughter of families reunited or parting once again. Among the throng, the Echizen family stood there, each one caught in their own bittersweet emotions as they prepared to say goodbye.

Rinko enveloped Sakuno in a tight hug. "Take care of yourself," she said softly. "Let us know when you both arrive in the US."

Sakuno pulled back slightly, her cheeks warm. "I thought you all were going to stay a bit longer." She glanced at Ryoga, who was adjusting his duffel bag, looking a little sheepish.

"We would like to," Rinko replied, her smile tinged with regret, "but I have some work to do there, and Ryoga has his things too."

"I see," Sakuno said, feeling a mix of pride and disappointment wash over her. They were embarking on their new journey, while others were setting off on their own adventures.

Rinko squeezed Ryoma's arm affectionately. "Take care of Sakuno, okay?"

Ryoma, cool and composed, nodded. "Sure, Mom."

"And," Rinko teased, a twinkle in her eye, "you two are newlyweds. At least bring Sakuno somewhere nice if you decide not to go on a honeymoon."

Nanjiro, who had been watching with amusement, stepped forward, winking at the couple. "Happy newlyweds, you two; make sweet memories tonight!"

Sakuno felt warmth creeping up her cheeks, but Ryoma merely shot him a bored look, his usual stoicism hard to shake.

"Stop saying stuff like that," Rinko gave him a ridiculous look.

The announcement then echoed around the airport; "Narita to New York, please assemble at gate 4."

"It's us, let's go now. We're coming, America!" Nanjiro announced happily. The group began to split apart. Ryoga lobbed an orange toward Ryoma, who caught it effortlessly.

"See you both later, Chibisuke, Sakuno-chan!" Ryoga called out, grinning broadly.

As the group walked toward their gate, Sakuno felt a mix of happiness for them and sadness for her own transition. Once their figures faded from view, Ryoma turned to Sakuno, taking her hand gently.

"Let's go home," he said, a hint of determination in his voice.

She nodded, and they took a cab back to his apartment. Inside, however, a sudden silence enveloped them, and the atmosphere felt electric yet awkward. They both stood near the door, seemingly lost in their own thoughts.

"W-well, I'll go see my clothes," Sakuno stammered, her cheeks still flushed from the parting.

"Okay," Ryoma replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

They went into their room, the air thick with unspoken words. Sakuno opened the door to Ryoma's closet, her heart fluttering as she admired the neatly hung clothes—his style was simple yet undeniably attractive. As she rummaged through the items, she lost herself momentarily, picturing him wearing each piece.

Footsteps approached, and she looked up to find Ryoma standing beside her. "I cleared some space for you," he said.

"It's okay, I just brought a few," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Besides, we're going to the US soon, right?"

He nodded, and they exchanged a lingering gaze, both feeling a warmth spread through the silence. Sakuno blushed while Ryoma, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, thinking about something that they both not used to.

Breaking the tension, Ryoma spotted a large paper bag situated near the bed. Curiosity piqued, he moved towards it, rummaging through the contents to discover gifts from their friends.

Sakuno peered over his shoulder. "What is that?"

"Gifts from senpai," Ryoma said, pulling out a colorful array of items. He extracted a bright coupon and held it up. "Kawamura-senpai gave us a one-day-all-you-can-eat coupon for his sushi bar."

Sakuno's eyes lit up. "That's very nice of him."

"Yeah," Ryoma smiled, then asked, "should we go tomorrow?"

Her face broke into a radiant smile. "Okay! That sounds great."

Without thinking, Sakuno plopped down on the floor next to him, eager to explore the surprises together. As they poured through the paper bag, laughter filled the room, blossoming amidst the initial awkwardness. Gifts ranged from personalized trinkets to handmade cards filled with encouragement and love.

Sakuno stared at the white paper bag nestled on her bed, its presence both intriguing and intimidating. "Tomo-chan said there's a gift from her and Ai-chan too," she murmured to herself, her heart racing as she reached for it. The crinkling of the bag echoed in her mind, feeling as if the sound itself was generating anticipation. With trembling fingers, she pulled out a delicate box, adorned with soft pastel colors.

Curiosity tugged at her, and with a deep breath, she opened it. An instant flush crept up her cheeks, painting them a rosy hue, as she beheld the contents: elegant, revealing lingerie that felt worlds away from her everyday attire. She quickly clutched the fabric, attempting to cover it like a secret she wasn't ready to share.

"What is that?" Ryoma's voice slashed through her surprise, drawing her attention. He peeked in, eyes wide with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"N-Nothing!" Sakuno stammered, panic flaring in her chest, her voice rising in pitch. She had always been shy, but this was a level of embarrassment that made her feel vulnerable.

Ryoma tilted his head, brow furrowing like he was trying to solve a puzzle. "Well, I'm kind of tired already, so I'll go take a shower before going to bed," she blurted, desperate to escape judgment.

"Okay," he replied, still looking uncertain as she fled to the bathroom, clutching the box. Her heart raced not just from embarrassment but from the enormity of the night ahead—this was their first night together.

Inside the soothing warmth of the bathroom, she took a moment to breathe. Gazing at the mirror, she pulled out the beige lingerie again. 'Mou... Tomo-chan, Ai-chan... should I wear this tonight?' She frowned, contemplating her reflection, a mixture of shyness and yearning swirling within her. It was indeed embarrassing, yet the thought of being bold excited her.

With newfound determination, she clenched her fist and whispered, "Right, tonight I should be just bold like Tomo-chan and Ai-chan. Fight-o, Sakuno!" Just as she steeled herself, Ryoma knocked gently on the door, making her jump.

"Sakuno? Are you okay? I don't hear anything inside," he called, concern lacing his voice.

"I-I'm okay! Just looking at the mirror for a while!" she replied, her heart pounding as she hastily stuffed the lingerie back into the box.

"Okay," he responded, and Sakuno could hear the slight relief in his tone. After a quick shower, she stepped out, drying off and slipping into the lingerie, then layering it with a sheer robe to cover her nerves. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself mentally.

As she peeked outside, she found the room enveloped in darkness, only illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. 'He must already be asleep,' she thought, a hint of disappointment mixed with humor dancing in her mind. What if she was the only one excited for this night?

Sliding under the blankets, she turned to look at Ryoma, who lay with his eyes closed, serene and peaceful. A smile crept across her face; he looked adorable. As she brushed her fingers against his cheek, warmth flooded her chest.

Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open, locking onto hers with a sleepy haze that quickly morphed into clarity. The connection was electric, and Sakuno felt her cheeks heat even more under his gaze.

"Ryoma-kun... you're not asleep yet?" she asked, shyly glancing down.

"How can I sleep on our first night?" he replied, a teasing smirk lighting up his face. That small expression shattered any remaining resolve she had; now, she was the one racing for words.

Before she could respond, Ryoma moved closer, pinning her down gently, a playful glint in his hazel eyes. Sakuno's heart raced, caught somewhere between excitement and disbelief, rendering her momentarily speechless.

"Can we...?" Ryoma hesitated, and her heart lurched. It was an unspoken question that hung heavily in the air.

"Ryoma-kun, you don't need to ask that..." she managed to whisper, breathless.

"I won't stop halfway, you know," he affirmed, a promise laced in his words that resonated deeply within her.

Sakuno closed her eyes, taking a slow, steadying breath, each inhale filled with hope and courage. The world outside faded; it was just them.

Ryoma leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, igniting a fiery passion that surged through her entire being. The kiss deepened, growing more fervent, as his hands sought hers, clasping them tightly, anchoring her to him.

Time slipped away, and as they surrendered to the intimacy of that quiet night, only they held the knowledge of what transpired—a fusion of hearts, secrets, and the promise of a shared future. Under the dim light, they discovered each other anew, unraveling layers of affection that had been waiting, silently, for this moment.

The morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Sakuno's face as she stirred from her dreams. Her gaze settled on Ryoma, who lay beside her, the peaceful rise and fall of his chest reassuring her that their night together hadn't been merely a figment of her imagination. A warm smile crept across her lips as a sense of joy bloomed within her.

Slipping quietly from beneath the covers, she grabbed her outwear strewn carelessly on the floor—a testament to their shared spontaneity. As she padded barefoot to the bathroom, a sudden flush crept up her cheeks when she caught sight of the marks adorning her skin, each one a whisper of the passion they had shared. With a determined breath, she washed away memories of the night and dressed in fresh home clothes, the fabric light against her skin.

In the kitchen, she busied herself with cooking. Just as the scent enveloped her like a warm hug, she heard rustling behind her. Ryoma emerged, clad in a simple white shirt, his tousled hair adding a boyish charm to his demeanor.

"What are you cooking?" he asked, peeking into the pot with genuine curiosity.

Sakuno startled at his sudden presence, her heart fluttering. "Ryoma-kun, you woke up. I made breakfast," she stammered, her hands stirring the contents with newfound energy. "This is miso soup."

He moved closer, watching her with an intensity that made her face heat up even further. "Is your body okay?" he asked, concern etching lines on his face.

"Y-yeah, I'm okay," she replied, feeling the warmth radiate from her cheeks.

"Do you need help?" he offered.

"It's almost done." She assured him, her focus returning to the stove. "Oh, can you carry this to the dining table?"

They settled down to eat, the cozy atmosphere punctuated by smiles and playful conversation as steam rose from the bowl between them, mingling with the warm sunlight. After a comfortable silence, Ryoma asked, "Are you sure you don't want to go anywhere? We'll probably be in the US for years."

Her mind meandered, thinking about the vast opportunities in front of them. "There's one place I want to go," she finally said, her voice barely a whisper.

That day, they boarded a train bound for Shinjuku, their fingers brushing against each other, igniting electric sparks. Seated side by side, Ryoma perused a pamphlet, his brow furrowing slightly. "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden?" he murmured, glancing at her.

Sakuno nodded eagerly, her heart racing with anticipation. "I've always wanted to visit that place but never had the chance. People say the scenery is breathtaking there."

As they arrived, the vibrant city buzzed around them, but all Sakuno could think of was the beauty awaiting them. They rented a bike, and Ryoma took the lead, pedaling in front while Sakuno nestled behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. The cool breeze kissed her cheeks, and her heart swelled with happiness.

"The flowers are so beautiful." She exclaimed, gazing at the blooming souls of nature that waved gently in the wind.

"Yeah, it's not bad," he replied, though the spark in his eyes signaled he was enjoying the moment just as much.

Sakuno leaned her head against Ryoma's back, a contented sigh escaping her lips, making Ryoma smiled. She felt safe, cocooned in warmth and excitement.

After a while, Ryoma slowed to a stop. "I'm tired," he declared, stretching his legs after resting on the bike seat.

"Eh? Should we change?" she asked, cocking her head in confusion.

"Yeah, you pedal this time," he suggested playfully.

Sakuno shifted to the front, encouraged by the thought of taking charge of their journey. Yet, as she began to pedal, she quickly found herself laughing in frustration. "Ryoma-kun, you are too heavy."

"Come on, add more strength." He laughed, the sound ringing like distant chimes in her ears.

Determined, she put her all into it, yet she struggled to keep the bike moving smoothly. Ryoma's laughter rang out like a melody, causing her to stumble slightly as she fought against the weight of both Ryoma and the bike.

He finally relented, standing up with a grin. "I'm joking. Let me ride it."

"You meanie." Sakuno protested, her laughter bubbling over into the air, turning a light moment into something magical.

With Ryoma firmly back in control, they continued to weave through the park, surrounded by sprawling gardens and cherry blossoms that painted the world in soft pink hues. The sight was enchanting—each blossom whispered secrets of love, hope, and the fleeting nature of life, holding promises of what could be.

After a while of cycling past serene parks, Sakuno pointed excitedly, "Ryoma-kun, there's a tennis center." Her eyes sparkled with uncontainable enthusiasm as she practically bounced in her seat.

"Should we go?" Ryoma asked, raising an eyebrow in mild amusement.

"Yeah." She replied, her joyful spirit contagious as she urged him on.

With a gentle stop, Ryoma parked the bike just outside the gleaming tennis center. It towered above them, its modern glass façade reflecting the sky like a promise of new experiences.

"It's big," Sakuno marveled, stepping through the entrance, her heart racing with both excitement and nervousness.

They approached the front desk, renting a court for the next hour. As Ryoma reached for a racket, he instinctively checked its strings, ensuring they had the perfect tension for a flawless game. The small ritual grounded him, even as his thoughts subtly danced around the girl beside him.

"Let's rally," he suggested, turning to Sakuno, who wore a smile so genuine it made his heart skip a beat.

"Okay." She chirped back, ready for the challenge.

They took their positions, the scent of fresh paint and polished wood filling their senses. Ryoma bounced the tennis ball lightly, his gaze focused. He struck it towards Sakuno with precision, anticipating her return. However, as the ball approached, Sakuno misjudged her footing, losing her balance and tumbling gracefully onto the court.

"Is this how the Japan women's champion plays?" Ryoma teased, his voice a mix of concern and amusement.

Sakuno flushed crimson, scrambling to her feet. "Mou… it was unintentional!" she protested, though the humor in his voice made her cheeks bloom with embarrassment.

Ryoma chuckled softly, moving toward her. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, placing a supportive hand on her arm.

"Yeah, I think my back still hurts…" she admitted, her voice trailing off, betraying the truth she dared not speak.

"From last night?" Ryoma's smirk grew, his teasing evident.

"N-no! It's not that!" she stammered, her face growing even warmer under the bright overhead lights.

"Heh… you were the one who said you wanted more," Ryoma winked playfully, catching her completely off guard.

"Mou… stop that! People will hear." Sakuno shot glances around, her heart pounding not just from the fall but from their shared moment. The laughter of strangers echoed in the background, but she felt utterly alone with Ryoma.

"They won't hear." He reassured her, a soft, inviting smile playing on his lips, igniting her own.

Feeling bold, she playfully hit his arm.

Ryoma laughed, a warm and hearty sound, full of joy and camaraderie. He side-hugged her, a gesture so sweet it made Sakuno's heart flutter in a way she never thought possible. Then, unexpectedly, he led her toward the main door.

"You're not going to play?" Sakuno queried, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

"No," he replied, his tone reassuring. "Let's just go to Kawamura sushi's place and then home. I'll massage your back."

Her giggles filled the space between them, lifting the mood like a buoy floating on water.

As they walked outside, fingers entwined, Sakuno felt as if they were drifting on a cloud, each step light and filled with anticipation. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, miraculous brushstrokes that mirrored the emotions swirling within her.